Registration is now open for all WAA 2012 Education Programs. Below is the list of programming. Click on the event link for details on registration pricing as well as the link to the online registration form.

Learn from the experts how to form and run a successful business at the 16th annual Washington Small Business Fair. Biz Fair 2012 happens Saturday, September 29, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Renton Technical College, 3000 NE 4th Street, in Renton.

Sharpen your skills - attend seminars that cover important, up-to-date topics for all stages of business ownership. Savvy business experts share their knowledge and real-life experiences with you.

Save valuable time - connect with 30 federal, state and local government agencies, and business and trade associations to get the information you need.

The fair is free, with plenty of free parking and no advance registration.

We have four active chapters around the state. These chapter officers have been diligently working to bring relevant education to the chapter members and with creating a quality collaborative peer meeting environment.

All WAA members have been subscribed to their chapter listserv based on the chapter listed in their profile. Download these listserv instructions to learn how to subscribe if you do not currently have a chapter affiliation listed on your profile, to unsubscribe, or to change the email address you want subscribed to the listserv.

The principal aims of this publication are the advancement of the accounting profession and communication among our members. Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual writers and not necessarily those of WAA or Editor. Please submit articles and comments to editorial@waa.org.

The deadline for submissions is the 20th of the month preceding publication.

The IRS provides a very informative annual calendar.

Small business owners find this a valuable resource throughout the year. Supplies are limited and the calendar is free.

The mission of the Washington Association of Accountants is to promote and protect the right of every member to practice accounting and taxation; to provide the services and professional education necessary to maintain and improve professional competence.

From the President

by Jerry Gintz

Flux, flux, flux; everything seems to be in a state of flux, more so than what I can ever remember! And if you view my profile, you’ll understand that has been from a while ago. Economic solutions, social mores, attitudes toward all kinds of debt, capitalism – is it good or is it bad, taxes – too high or too low, politically correct speech; does it matter, does it not matter and on and on and on….! These are, without a doubt, troubling times. You and I understand it in terms of the IRS and what is going on with regard to Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) initiatives – registration, testing, CPE, etc., etc. CPA’s, EA’s and Attorneys are exempt; but what about their staff? Are they, or are they not exempt? Do they, or do they not need 15 hours of CPE in 2012………….soon to be announced with certainty, I’m sure! Can you remember back to such a time with this much confusion and uncertainty? I can’t! ... Read more

Experience on taking the RTRP Exam

by Gene Bell, WAA member & speaker for the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums

I would like to thank Astrid Arola for the opportunity to write this short bit on the Registered Tax Return Preparer exam... Read more

NSA has provided a free Test tutorial called "Surviving the RTRP Exam". It is a WEB-Based Tutorial in addition to a number of pages of advice, deadlines and IRS information. Go check it out.

Alert:Register for the RTRP exam now

As accountants we tend to procrastinate. This is one time you don't want to wait til the end. You can set the appointment 6 months in advance w/Prometric Inc. Get your seat now.

WAA is offering different education programs to help you prepare for the RTRP exam. Look at Cindy Polley's article for the education updates or go to www.waa.org and look at all the education programs.

Education Committee

by Cynthia Polley

It’s back to school time and WAA has the education you need to pass the RTRP exam this year. Don’t miss out on these education opportunities whether they are for you personally or your staff.

This live presentation and the accompanying study guide are designed to assist the un-enrolled and new tax practitioner in achieving a passing score on the Registered Tax Return Preparer minimum competency exam. The presentation will not only cover the necessary subject matter but also offer practical first hand insight on the test taking experience. The study guide is a 373 page manual that consists of 7 chapters dealing with the 2011 Publication 17 and includes a current copy of the Circular 230. Relevant review questions at the end of each chapter will challenge and prepare the student for the exam.

FAST FORWARD ACADEMYFast Forward Academy is our newest online education product. Whether you need to study for the RTRP, the EA or the CPA exam, this online study course will provide you with the knowledge and experience, with the simulated online exam that will help you pass the exam the first time. You will find the Fast Forward Academy courses at our online education section of the website. Register today at www.waa.org.

FAST FORWARD KICK-OFF EVENTSWe are holding four Fast Forward Kick-Off events, one at each chapter. Call your friends and co-workers and plan to attend a Kick-Off event in your area. The kick-off events are designed to bring people together, to register for the course and to provide an overview of the program to help people get off to a good start. Each event will be held at the chapter meeting location. The events are free, but you do need to register. Register today at www.waa.org.

The Income Tax SchoolCPE Credits: 60-HoursThe Income Tax School is back for its second year. WAA is proud to offer this comprehensive course to its members and staff for a great price. Upon successful completion of this course you receive 60 CPE credits. Register today at www.waa.org.

GEAR UP FEDERAL TAX UPDATE8-Hour CPEJanuary 11, 2013Location TBA

This course offers practical insight into the ever-changing world of federal taxation. Federal Tax Update is a one-day, fast-paced seminar that covers the latest developments affecting individuals, corporations, pass-through entities, and estates and trusts.

Written and taught by practitioners for practitioners, it is designed to provide you with practical, working knowledge of the latest tax law changes. This highly popular seminar will enable you to effectively, and confidently complete tax planning, compliance, and consultation engagements during the coming year.

At the 67th NSA Annual Meeting held in Maui, I was elected as the NSA State Director for WAA. I’m honored to serve in this position and I thank all those who have help me get here.

My mission as State Director is to:1. Encourage and facilitate communications between NSA and WAA and its members2. Act as the principal contact for members at the state level and assure that their concerns are addressed3. Serve as the NSA’s liaison with WAA and to facilitate the delivery and implementation of benefits.

Thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to serving NSA, WAA and its members.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. astrid@kellystaxservice.com or 253-581-9115.

Chapter News

Northwest Chapterby Dale Offret, President

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls and ships at sea, tis once again time as the Northwest Chapter announces another beautiful day in the Pacific NW and in Western Washington. Come join us for some great fun, professional networking, continuing education, and comradery with a twist! Open every 1st Thursday of the month and by appointment, - what more could you possibly want?

The chapter meetings continue to focus on relative, interesting, up-to-date topics with a twist of fun. Last month’s August meeting we had Bill Chandler, a Professor of Marketing, author of two best sellers and an international motivational speaker, presented the topic of, “Color Code Presentation-Personality Profile”. It was very insightful and we all learned a lot about ourselves and others. (It was so good, it was recommended to be an 8 hour seminar.) It was worth your time.

September 6th we have Angela Xavier, Tax Attorney bringing us the topic of “Tax Related issues with Updates Regarding the IRS”. Come join us for this knowledgeable event.

October 4th we have Greg Thompson from the IRS bringing us the most recent updates from the Internal Revenue Service, November 1st is the 18th Annual IRS Working Together Symposium at the Seattle Center and on December 6th we have Shawn Gagnon, CPA bringing us the topic of Personal Bankruptcy Issues & Debt Forgiveness. Our chapter members continue to be very active at the chapter and state levels:1. Rizwan Chaudhry and Dale Offret have been asked by the IRS (organizers of the Small Biz Fair) to present at this year’s event, the topic “Which Business Entity is Best for You?” This would not have happened if it were not for WAA. The Biz Fair is on September 29th.

2. Cindy Polley has brought “Fast Forward Academy” to WAA. It has an Online exam preparation for RTRP exam. The NW Chapter will hold a 3 hour Kick-Off event on October 16th.

3. The Northwest Chapter is hosting WAA’s 2013 Annual Convention. Kathy Jolly is the Chair and Cindy Polley is the Co-chair. The suggested theme is on “Technology”.

October 29th, We are planning our mini seminar with our guest speaker Kathy Bastow presenting “Advanced QuickBooks”. This is the most asked for topic, so come attend, and get all your questions answered!!! Stay tuned for more details.

We are planning our 2nd annual “Tax Season Kickoff” in January 2013. We had the most fun last year (who am I?) and hope to have more fun this year. Stay tuned for more details.

Puget Sound / Tacoma Chapterby Pam Cody, President

Are you thinking about expanding your practice to include services for non-profits? Are you already doing tax or accounting for non-profits, but would like to sharpen your skills? If so, Puget Sound Tacoma Chapter’s one-day seminar is a must for you. Our non-profit formation and taxation seminar will be held at the Tacoma La Quinta Inn on September 25, from 8:00 a.m. (7:30 for registration) to 5:00 p.m., with lunch and continental breakfast provided. Cost is $125 for WAA members and $150 for non-members.

Featured speakers are Ralph Flick, JD, MBA, speaking on non-profit formation, IRS exemption requirements, and Forms 1023/1024. Sue Brabham, CPA, will speak on accounting for non-profits, and Form 990 preparation. We will also hear a short presentation on grant-writing, from Pauline Stieff, a well-known writing consultant in the area.

We are also excited to have Paula Bishop, CPA, speaking at our September 4th breakfast meeting on the topic of College Financial Aid. She will be covering the financial aid system, FAFSA, how to apply for scholarships, etc. This will be a great source of information we can pass on to our clients who have college-age dependents.

Puget Sound Tacoma Chapter is the only chapter currently accepting online registrations for our monthly meetings, as well as for our seminar, so register online today at www.waa.org. See you there!

Spokane Chapterby Hazel Flynn-Parkison, Secretary

Education, Networking, Fun …Spokane Chapter!

The Spokane Chapter WAA Bisk Study Sessions will be resuming on Wednesday, September 19th at 3:00 pm at Wayne Vinson’s office (2132 West Northwest Blvd., Spokane). Bob McKinley, Wayne Vinson, and Paul Smart offer a study group using the Bisk educational materials which earn CPE for CPAs and EAs. The cost for the study group is $90 for eight 2 hour classes or $20 per class and includes the study materials. The classes are held on the third Wednesday of the month except no classes will be held in March and April.

• Individual Taxation - Conditions Limit Value of Charitable Contributions, Service Offers Streamlined Installment Agreements and the Impact of Carryovers on Self-Employment tax.• Business Taxation – Final Regs on Continuity of Interest for Reorganizations, Supreme Court Rules on Overstatement of Basis and Statute of Limitations, S Corp Distribution Contributed to Related S Corp Increased Basis and Recent Guidance Related to Repair Regs.• U.S. Taxation of Foreign Transactions – Character of CFC Earnings Invested in U.S. property and Understanding the Savings Clause in U.S. Tax Treaties.